Seoul keeps the palaces and temples of the Joseon dynasty alive within the modern city. Traditional hanok districts, rituals and performing arts show a living culture.
Historic sites
Gyeongbokgung Palace – The main Joseon palace and the largest of the royal complexes.
Hanyangdoseong City Wall – A 600-year-old wall encircling Seoul across four mountains.
Deoksugung Palace – A downtown palace where Western-style buildings stand beside traditional architecture.
Traditions
Hanbok – Traditional Korean dress that you can rent and wear around the palaces.
Tea ceremony (dado) – A traditional tea ritual prepared with simple, graceful movements.
Temple stay – Spending a night in a Buddhist temple with meditation and temple food.
Festivals
Seoul Lantern Festival – A November light festival with giant lanterns along Cheonggyecheon stream.
Yeon Deung Hoe (Lotus Lantern Festival) – A lotus-lantern parade in Jongno ahead of Buddha's Birthday.
Seoul Hangang Fireworks Festival – A river fireworks show held in Yeouido in autumn.
Etiquette
Offer and receive items with both hands, and wait for elders to start eating first.
Take off your shoes when entering homes, temples and some restaurants.
Never stick chopsticks upright in rice, as it recalls funeral rites.
On the subway, leave seats for the elderly and pregnant free and keep your voice down.
Map
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Places
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Gyeongbokgung Palace
Built in 1395 as the main palace of the Joseon dynasty, famous for its guard-changing ceremony.
Category
Palace
Duration
2 h
Price
$
Best time
Morning, before the guard ceremony
Tip: Visitors wearing hanbok enter free, and it is closed on Tuesdays.